One dead, 5 others critical after Cow Palace rave

COW PALACE

Daly City police have begun a homicide investigation after one man died and five other people were in critical condition after ingesting drugs that appeared to be tainted with a toxic substance during a Cow Palace rave.

The man who died was identified as Anthony Mata, 20, of Santa Clara. Ten others were taken to hospitals after the Saturday night rave. Of those 10, five are listed in critical condition, according to Daly City police.

San Francisco Police Lt. Lyn Tomioka said the drug involved has not been identified, but that "ecstasy is usually associated with raves.

"It's very concerning with that many young people having to go to the hospital," she said. "That rave event is huge."

But doctors at San Francisco General Hospital, where some of the party-goers were taken, said that all the patients exhibited life-threatening symptoms such as internal bleeding and kidney failure, which is usually not associated with ecstasy overdose, according to Daly City police. Police and doctors suspect the drugs were tainted with a toxic substance.

The rave was dubbed "Pop 2010: The Dream" and drew more than 16,000 people, Daly City police said. Agents from the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force arrested more than 70 people on suspicion of selling drugs during the event.

More than 800 esctasy tabs were confiscated during the event, along with tabs of LSD and methamphetamine, authorities said.

Health officials warned that anyone who attended the rave and is feeling ill - such as experiencing high fevers or having trouble staying awake - should immediately seek medical attention. They also asked on people to check on friends who were at the rave.

The Cow Palace Web site shows that the event was put together under the auspices of Skills DJ Workshop, an Oakland event promoter.

"Every single creative spark will be put into one massive fantastic arena, featuring some of the worlds most exciting and sought after electronic performers," said a Web site promoting the event. "The entire Arena will be transformed into a place where dreams can be both seen and heard."

In 2008, a police sting operation at a Cow Palace rave led to almost 60 arrests on drug-related charges.